Teenagers seek shorter school days and longer breaks because they can improve student focus, well-being, and overall learning. This grants students more time for rest, extracurricular activities, and family time, which in turn leads to better mental health, especially considering teens’ limited attention spans.
According to NCSL, many students agree that they have a packed schedule which can include advanced courses, extracurriculars, and jobs. Schedules like this can leave students with little time to themselves, increasing the probability of burnout.
A poll was drawn up for Griffith High School students. The majority stated that they would rather start school at 7 a.m. and end at noon rather than start school at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:20 p.m. Sophomore Janae Clark said, “I personally think that that would be a good idea, but what would be the point of having shorter days?” A benefit of ending school earlier in the day for students allows them to improve their overall academic performance.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics has called insufficient sleep in adolescents a public health issue and recommends that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. But as of 2017, the average start time for public high schools nationwide was 8 a.m., and 10% of schools started before 7:30″, as stated in U.S. News and World Report.
Mrs. Parker, the theatre and social studies teacher, voiced the staff consensus, stating, “We would run into issues concerning transportation, the willingness of students to come to school, and after-school care for students.”
To address these issues, the Griffith School District could invest in improving bus routes. By partnering with community organizations that can offer transportation for students and provide after-school employment will improve communication with parents and offer flexible scheduling options. Also, activities that can promote student engagement and their overall well-being within the school environment. “It also can help with attendance, focus on class, and health due to having more time to sleep, Junior Kennedi Durr said.
